Tyra joined the United Friends Scholars program in middle school, bringing with her a determined and diligent spirit.
Throughout her college journey, Tyra faced mental health and financial challenges that could have derailed her dreams. But with unwavering persistence, she stayed focused on her goal of becoming an animator. Accepted into an animation program, Tyra …
Hero of the Month: Terrica Lynn Smith!
From overcoming immense challenges as a former foster youth to reshaping entire communities, Terrica embodies strength and determination. Despite the hardships she faced in foster care, Terrica turned her pain into power, building a multi-million-dollar real estate empire that revitalizes neighborhoods and creates opportunities for others.
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We are proud to spotlight Sallia, an inspiring advocate who is making a profound impact on the foster care community. As an Associate at Murchison & Cumming, LLP, Sallia specializes in employment law, bringing over a decade of legal expertise to her work, but her dedication extends far beyond the office.
From campaigning with Kamala Harris …
We had an incredible event welcoming Cohort #2 of our Youth Ambassadors Program! This special day was made even more inspiring with the presence of Maegan Lujan, an exceptional leader and former foster youth who has journeyed from challenging beginnings to becoming an executive at Toshiba, North America. Maegan shared her invaluable insights and experiences, …
Andrea joined United Friends Scholars program in December 2020, bringing with her an ambitious spirit and courageous heart.
Despite facing major obstacles with college enrollment due to financial aid challenges, Andrea pressed forward. With the support of her sister and United friends, she successfully enrolled at Antelope Valley College. Now, she’s pursuing her passion for …
Spencer joined United Friends’ Pathways program in 2023 after facing homelessness and losing his family’s support. Despite these hardships, Spencer worked tirelessly, securing two jobs and enrolling full-time in school to pursue a nursing career. 👨⚕️✨ His resilience and determination to overcome trauma and stay focused on his goals are what makes his journey truly …
This month, we’re proud to celebrate Jory Rand as our Hero of the Month! Jory is not only the co-anchor of ABC7 LA Weekends and an Emmy award-winning reporter but also a passionate advocate for foster care, adoption, and animal rescue.
Raised in Columbia, Maryland, Jory’s journey began at the University of Maryland, where he studied …
On Friday, October 4th, our Pathways housing program hosted an impactful voter registration event! 🗳️✨
Youth from all our housing sites came together to register to vote, connect with community partners, and enjoy a shared lunch. It was more than just a registration drive—it was an opportunity for young people to learn about civic engagement and …
Dreams are in motion thanks to the amazing support of Alex Caruso and Pepperdine Caruso Law! One of our Scholars Program youth had an inspiring 1 on 1 breakfast and campus tour with Alex. She took one step closer to her dream of pursuing environmental law. 🌱
Our youth said she is “incredibly grateful for …
United Friends of the Children Hero of the Month: Charvon Jones
Charvon Jones is a leader who exemplifies what it means to be committed to shaping the future. As the founder of Centinel Christian Child Development Center, she has dedicated herself to creating a space where children not only learn but thrive. 🌱 Her center, …